Yaks injured after suspension bridge collapse in Taplejung

By Chandra Pandak, Taplejung, Oct.4: Dozens of Yaks were injured when a suspension bridge over a Ghunsa river collapsed at Lelep, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality-6, Taplejung district. 

The iron bridge over the Ghunsa River fell to bits thereby injuring dozens of Yaks that were returning through the bridge after grazing. 

According to Tenzing Sherpa, who rears Yaks, the iron-made suspension bridge over the Ghunsa River, near Ghunsa village, collapsed.

The dozens of Yaks passing through fell into the river from a broken bridge and had injuries.

It is said that the iron-made suspension bridge got broken because of the overload as all Yaks tried to cross the bridge all at once. Yaks were returning after grazing in the Khambachen, Lonak, and other grazing areas along the Kanchenjunga base camp.

Sherpa said that Yaks received a hard blow, and wound in their legs, after a serious fall. “There is no other option than to give home remedy to the injured yaks," said Shepherd Gopal Bista.  

Farmers who were self-reliant from animal husbandry are worried after a serious fall of Yaks from a broken bridge. 

 One can face a loss of Rs 70,000 in case of the death of a Yak. The farmers in the Himalayan area like Ghunsa have been rearing thousands of Yaks.